Little Heroes girls walk for brave daddy

Margaret Parsons

A Burnley dad who has been bravely battling cancer for the past three years has been told doctors can do no more for him.

Now his wife and two young daughters are taking part in a sponsored walk to support him.

This hospice provides outstanding care and support to poorly people like Tom, and the staff there are wonderful

Tammy Cooper

Tienna (7) and Ziani Cooper (4) will take part in the Little Hospice Heroes walk next month to represent their daddy, Tom Cooper, and all the other patients at Pendleside Hospice. Their mum, Tammy Cooper, said: “Tom was diagnosed terminal with Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma in October 2011 when he was 25. It is a rare cancer (behind the nose) and it had already spread to his neck, collarbone, lymph nodes underarms and the lungs.”

Since then Tom has had six different chemotherapy treatments and radiotherapy. But his cancer has grown and spread further to the chest, brain, ribs, spine and hip.

Tammy added: “Sadly, on Monday 23 March, we were told the devastating news that there’s no longer anything they can do for Tom. We knew this was to come, but nothing ever prepares you for this and we are all devastated. We broke this news to Tienna and Ziani, the hardest thing we have ever had to do.

“Tom is the most selfless man I know, he’s been so brave and courageous throughout his fight and despite the shock, still smiling.

“Tom has been attending Pendleside Hospice for over a year now for appointments with the doctor there and this is where he’s chosen for his end of life care. This hospice provides outstanding care and support to poorly people like Tom, and the staff there are wonderful.”

Sunday, May 17th,is Little Hospice Heroes Walk and Tienna and Ziani will walk to represent their daddy and all the patients who are cared for there. “All donations are appreciated and for such a worthy cause,” said Tammy.